Let’s be honest, we’ve all fallen into the habit of sticking with the same safe style choices. Whether it’s a black dress for a night out or a classic denim jacket paired with white trainers on a hot summer’s day. But there comes a point when it starts to feel a bit, well, predictable. It’s easy to find yourself in a style rut, but that’s where we come in.
So, what can you wear instead of your trusty denim jacket? This spring, there’s no shortage of stylish, on-trend and easy-to-wear alternatives that will breathe new life into your current wardrobe.
From this gorgeous Suede Jacket from John Lewis, to this Cropped Trench from Next, many of our favourite high street retailers are ditching denim for more fashion-forward silhouettes and here’s how you can too.
Now, we’re not saying you need to ditch your denim jacket – but adding one of these stylish alternatives to your wardrobe is an easy way to spark fresh outfit ideas and get more mileage out of your wardrobe with just one new piece, all without breaking the bank.
✨What to wear instead of a denim jacket✨
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A linen jacket, shop our favourite here
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A short trench coat, shop our favourite here
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A suede jacket, shop our favourite here
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A printed jacket, shop our favourite here
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A quilted, shower-proof jacket, shop our favourite here
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A utility jacket, shop our favourite here
A linen jacket
If you’re after a lightweight and versatile jacket for warmer weather, look no further than a linen or linen-blend option, which makes the perfect extra layer during the spring and summer months.
Our top pick is this tailored option from Tu Clothing, which has a smart, contemporary and boxy fit. Not only can it be dressed up or down, but its cropped style also makes it equally flattering with trousers or dresses. In fact, we think you’d be hard pressed to find an item this jacket doesn’t go with. 93% of shoppers would recommend it, and one customer said it “goes with so many things.”
The jacket also features tortoiseshell buttons and two front flap pockets, giving it a more premium look than its excellent value under £30 price tag. It’s also available in a range of colours, from classic black, khaki, and navy to bold red and a natural stone hue.
👗 Wear with: Pretty much anything, from a dress to trousers
✨ Great for: Work, an evening out, or summer holiday
Tu Clothing
Available in four easy-to-wear colours, this jacket comes with a chic collarless design and boxy shape, with tortoiseshell button fastenings and two front flap pockets.
Seasalt Cornwall
This 100% linen jacket is a great option from Seasalt Cornwall and comes in a whopping eight colours.
A short trench coat
We all know the longline trench coat is a spring jacket staple, but the more modern, on-trend version making waves on the high street this year is the cropped trench jacket.
The short trench keeps all the appeal of a classic trench but with a shorter, more versatile cut. This chic option from Next features a contemporary double-breasted front with popper fastenings, a notched lapel collar, epaulettes on the shoulders, and an oversized chest pocket.
This fresh take on the trench coat not only makes it more breathable and lightweight for the summer months – meaning you can wear it well into the next season – but also more practical, as the shorter length makes it easier to take with you if you’re going day to night or travelling.
The boxier cropped style is also easier to style with a range of pieces, and you’ll likely find it more flattering, as it complements proportions when paired with voluminous dresses or wide-leg trousers.
👗 Wear with: Wide-leg trousers or a midi dress
✨ Great for: Casual days out, BBQ or a city break
Next
Effortlessly chic, this take on a classic style is designed with a cropped, boxy fit, featuring a double-breasted front, popper fastenings, and a notched lapel collar.
Marks & Spencer
The perfect spring jacket, this style comes in two easy-to-wear colours, features a relaxed, cropped design, and is made from a cotton-rich fabric.
A suede jacket
Suede is having a serious moment in the fashion world right now. After appearing on the fashion week runways of designers like Gucci and Miu Miu, the retro material has made its way onto the high street in various forms, from jackets to accessories.
The buttery soft fabric is a great way to add additional interest to your outfits, as the texture creates another focal point and transforms an otherwise boring outfit into something chic and brilliant.
While our top pick is a real leather suede jacket from John Lewis, you can also find faux suede options at high street stores such as New Look.
We love the perfect tan hue of this John Lewis design, complemented by its flawless, chic tailoring, creating a premium, polished look. While a suede jacket can easily be dressed down with a pair of wide-leg jeans or a skirt, we love how John Lewis has styled it simply with an all-white outfit. This jacket is a great addition to your wardrobe if you have a lot of black and white pieces and are looking for that one statement jacket to make all your outfits pop.
👗 Wear with: An all white or black outfit, jeans or a midi skirt
✨ Great for: An occasion or work
John Lewis
Modern yet understated, we’re obsessed with how this jacket effortlessly elevates any outfit. Featuring a smart collar, two front pockets, and a button-front, this jacket is bound to make any outfit pop.
New Look
For just £29.99, this is a great faux suede option and it comes in four colour options.
A printed jacket
If you want the jacket to be the statement of your outfit, look no further than investing in a printed jacket, which is all the rage this year. Whether you prefer a bold floral style, animal print, or even a two-in-one reversible design, the high street has a whole slew of printed jackets that are bound to get you a compliment or two.
Plus, it just makes for easy dressing – simply throw on a simple pair of trousers and a T-shirt, and let the jacket do all the talking. A hit of colour in your outfit is also bound to give you a pop of dopamine, making you look and feel great too.
Choose your print wisely and go for a quilted style so that the jacket looks luxurious. While these jackets can be pricey, George at Asda has just released a great animal print option. For only £35, it looks super expensive thanks to its stitched quilted style, two large front patch pockets, and khaki trim detail and lining.
These types of printed jackets are also typically made of a soft jersey fabric, making them super soft and comfy to wear, and easy to throw in a tote bag when on the go.
👗 Wear with: Trousers and a top or a minimal dress
✨ Great for: Days out
George at Asda
Add a pop of print to your wardrobe with this soft jersey jacket that looks so expensive.
Next
This jacket is 2-in-1 with a reversible design, featuring a floral and gingham side to switch up depending on your outfit.
A quilted jacket
The UK weather can be unpredictable, even in spring, and most years, we get more rain than we’d like. But that shouldn’t stop you from wanting to look good and be prepared for a little shower. That’s why a quilted jacket is always a great option to invest in.
The quilted look has been around for a while now, with various styles available. However, the most popular style is the diamond-shaped quilt, which incorporates the perfect amount of detail and adds a bit of interest to any outfit thanks to its country-chic appeal.
Similar in shape to a bomber jacket, this style is the perfect casual cover-up for a day out or a relaxed picnic. This pick from M&S even features Stormwear water-repellent technology, helping to protect you from light rain showers.
👗 Wear with: Jeans and a top
✨ Great for: Days out
Marks & Spencer
This lightweight jacket comes in three colours, sage, beige, and black, with a water repellent fabric and padded lining.
Next
This quilted jacket comes in a lovely pale pink shade and black.
A utility jacket
Much like a denim jacket, if there’s one style that will never go out of fashion, it’s the utility-style jacket. A great all-rounder perfect for everyday wear, we’re big fans of the classic green hue this design typically comes in. Plus, it just never fails to make an outfit look cool.
This trendy, heritage-inspired style often includes practical pockets and is cut in a longline shape that flatters every body type – and it’s perfect for those who want coverage below the waist.
This design from New Look is an absolute bargain, looking far more expensive than its under £50 price tag. We love the pocket detail, which is incredibly practical, and the ruched detail around the waistline, which helps give it a flattering shape. It’s sure to make a trusty addition to your outerwear collection. It also comes in beige and black.
👗 Wear with: Jeans and a top
✨ Great for: Days out
New Look
Style this jacket so many ways this spring. Available in three easy-to-wear colours, it’s the perfect transitional jacket to wear for the rest of the year.
Marks & Spencer
Add this easy-to-style utility jacket to your spring wardrobe and enjoy multiple pockets, a gorgeous green colourway, and versatile design.
